Lesson 5 - Creating Space with Shots
Racket Control Strategies
•Year 4
•Tennis
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we use tactical thinking and accurate racket control to create space and win points in tennis?
Learning Objectives
- Develop tactical awareness of creating space to win points using forehand and backhand shots
- Apply forehand and backhand techniques consistently to return the ball over the net
- Demonstrate understanding of court positioning and recovery after each shot
Key Outcomes
- Students will hit the ball accurately into space using forehand and backhand shots
- Students will show tactical awareness by creating space to win rallies
- Students will maintain correct ready position and court recovery between shots
Equipment & Resources Required
Check grip size is appropriate for student hand size
Alternative: Table tennis bats, badminton rackets for smaller hands
Use slower balls for better control and longer rallies
Alternative: Foam balls, low-compression tennis balls for beginners
Used to mark court boundaries and target areas
Alternative: Spots, markers, rope
Height approximately 60-80cm for modified courts
Alternative: Benches turned on side, PE equipment posts
Key Vocabulary
A tennis shot played with the palm of the hand facing the direction of the shot
A tennis shot played with the back of the hand facing the direction of the shot
Hitting the ball to areas of the court where your opponent is not positioned
Balanced stance with knees slightly bent, racket up, ready to move in any direction
Returning to the centre of the court after playing a shot to be ready for the next ball
A sequence of shots exchanged between players until a point is won
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic racket control and ball contact
- Understanding of forehand and backhand techniques
- Knowledge of court boundaries and net play
Current Skills
- Tactical application of forehand and backhand shots
- Creating space through accurate ball placement
- Court positioning and recovery skills
Next Steps
- Advanced tactical gameplay with varied shot selection
- Competitive game situations with scoring
- Understanding of different tennis strategies
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Feet move first before preparing the racket for any shot
- Watch the ball from opponent's racket all the way to your racket
- Return to centre court position after every shot to be ready
- Look for open spaces on opponent's court before hitting
- Use control and placement rather than power to win points
- Choose forehand or backhand based on ball position and body position
- Maintain athletic ready position with knees bent and racket up
Common Misconceptions
- That hitting harder always wins points - emphasise placement and tactics
- That staying in one position is safer - teach importance of movement and recovery
- That forehand is always better - show when backhand is more effective
- That you must hit winners every shot - develop understanding of rally building
- That tennis is only about technique - highlight tactical and mental aspects
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity bursts, clear court boundaries, regular position changes, immediate feedback
dyspraxia
- Larger target areas, slower balls, simplified movement patterns, extra demonstration time
autism spectrum
- Clear routines for equipment setup, visual court maps, predictable game structures, quiet zones available
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured balls and rackets, provide verbal cues for ball position, use buddy system for court awareness
hearing impairment
- Use visual demonstrations, hand signals for tactical instructions, written strategy cards
physical disability
- Seated tennis version, larger/lighter rackets, modified court size, balloon alternatives
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Angles of shots, court geometry, scoring systems, statistical analysis of successful shots
Science
Forces in racket swing, ball trajectory physics, reaction time and movement
Geography
Spatial awareness, court mapping, directional language (left, right, forward, back)
PSHE
Fair play, resilience in competition, cooperation with partners, managing competitive emotions
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Position centrally to observe all mini courts, move between courts during practice
Observation Focus
Watch for correct shot selection, tactical awareness, and safe play
Intervention Points
["Step in if competitive intensity becomes too high", "Correct technique if risk of injury or poor learning", "Support students struggling with tactical concepts"]
Demonstration Notes
Use exaggerated movements to show tactical concepts, involve students in demonstrations
Verbal Cues
- •'Feet first, then racket!'
- •'Look for the space!'
- •'Back to centre!'
- •'Control not power!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Multiple mini courts 8m x 6m with 2m safety zones between courts
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from debris, good grip for quick directional changes
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check racket grips are secure and appropriate size
- •Inspect rackets for cracks or loose strings
- •Ensure nets/ropes are stable and correct height
- •Use appropriate ball type for age group
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Racket contact between students during movement
- •Slips during quick directional changes
- •Ball strikes to face or body
- •Collision during competitive games
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear court boundaries established and enforced
- •Controlled swing techniques taught and reinforced
- •Appropriate spacing between courts maintained
- •Progressive skill building from simple to complex
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to see all courts simultaneously
- •Monitor competitive intensity in games
- •Check technique to prevent overuse injuries
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact office if serious